Programmes

Postgraduate

MA Arts and Cultural Leadership

Take the lead and make an impact for arts and culture to thrive.

The MA Arts and Cultural Leadership programme believes that all arts practitioners, arts managers and cultural workers have the capacity to practice leadership and make a difference in their communities.

By way of a close and critical study of theories and principles of arts leadership and management, cultural policies and artistic and creative practices, the programme will enable you to learn to formulate deep and impactful approaches through practical application of classroom learning, personal research projects and a thesis.

Seeking to redefine the future of cultural leadership, the programme creates a peer-learning environment to train you to think about how you can create contexts for the arts to thrive, for cultural diversity to flourish, for innovation to emerge, spaces where arts and culture connect with conversations on sustainable development, social justice, equality and equitability. The programme pays attention to developments in the Asian cultural and creative ecology and the interrelations between state policy bodies, museums and cultural institutions, grassroots organisations, the market and creative practitioners from varied disciplines.

Leadership is not necessarily tied to a position within an institution, agency or organisation. Rather it is the knowledge, skills and ability to animate artistic and creative communities. Hence, the programme centres on nurturing an arts and cultural leader and manager who is creative, forward-thinking and ready to make a difference in society, who is able to adapt to complex environments to make contributions both to local communities and the international field, and who can take on leadership roles in communities, public institutions, the private sector and non-profit arts enterprises.

The programme is designed to offer you industry knowledge, strategic management and entrepreneurial skills for the arts, as well as academic study of the arts. Students will also have access to the opportunities offered by LASALLE’s connection to the vibrant arts, cultural and creative sectors in Southeast Asia through an ongoing programme of guest lectures, artist in residence workshops, study visits and more.

The MA Arts and Cultural Leadership programme attracts arts practitioners, arts managers and cultural workers, and its graduates have gone on to make impactful contributions to their respective organisations, communities and sectors.

Course Details

course details
Duration

1.5 years (3 semesters)

Mode

Full-time

Programme structure

The full-time programme spans three consecutive semesters within a 1.5-year duration. Semesters 1 and 2 each have two 30-credit modules. In Semester 2, a 30-credit elective module option is made available to you with a choice to take the module offered by your respective programme or, in consultation with your Programme Leader, select a module offered by another MA programme. The 60-credit module in the final (3rd) semester will support you to develop a thesis or a practice-based project based on your research interests.

Semester 1

Research Methods in Creative Arts (30 CP)
Arts and Culture in Changing Global Contexts (30 CP)

Research Methods in Creative Arts
This module introduces you to arts research through a thorough study of research methods and analytical techniques informing artistic and critical practices at the MA level. Research operates within a critical context and this module aims to prepare you to confidently articulate your practice, formulate your own critical arguments, and formulate methods to investigate and probe issues.

Arts and Culture in Changing Global Contexts
The module Arts and Culture in Changing Global Contexts establishes the foundation for the study of concepts, theories and frameworks relevant to the field of arts and cultural management today. It comprises two components - Cultural Policy, and Principles and Practice of Arts and Cultural Management, where current practices and concerns are examined.

Semester 2

Advanced Seminar in the Arts, Cultural and Creative Industries (30 CP)
Strategy and Leadership for Arts and Culture (30 CP)

Advanced Seminar in the Arts, Cultural and Creative Industries
This module examines current issues in the conceptualising of, and policy for, the cultural and creative industries, and invites students to investigate the responses to these developments from different constituencies in the creative and cultural sectors such as design, film, publishing, fashion and media.

Strategy and Leadership for Arts and Culture
This module focuses on strategic management for the arts and cultural sector, examines business models for arts and cultural enterprises including financial and marketing models, and leads you to the application of entrepreneurial principles and leadership theory.

Semester 3

Final Research (60 CP)

Final Research
The final outcome of this programme must relate to the study of the management of the arts and cultural sectors with reference to the specialist concerns of the programme and may either take the form of the completion of a 15,000-word academic thesis or a capstone project articulating the investigation of a practical issue within the field of arts and cultural management.

Both forms require the ability to conduct research using primary and secondary methodologies to reveal a critical engagement with issues in the creative and cultural sectors, be they focused on cultural policy, theory or business strategies.

More Information

Postgraduate research

LASALLE has a long tradition of practice-led research in art and design. The College aims to assume a significant role in Singapore for practice-led research in visual, performing and literary arts, and aspires to add the distinctive viewpoint of Singapore to research into artistic practice in the 21st century.

The Research Methods in Creative Arts module is a common module which all students are required to undertake. You will have the opportunity to interact with one another in the first term, to network with peers in other MA programmes and foster a stronger community of research practice that enhances your respective discipline of study as well as within the College.

You will be introduced to relevant professional methods of research and creation which may include profiles of and/or dialogue with creative professionals, critical/theoretical discourse, action research, visual object analysis, textual analysis, case studies, historical and ethnographic research, interviews, life-stories/ autobiographies, etc. You will also be introduced to research practices such as literature reviews, process-based discovery, bibliographical searches, quantitative and qualitative methods, citations and the construction of research questions.

Postgraduate students are constantly exposed to first-hand experience in current practices of research and creation, leading to the acquiring of powerful knowledge and a wide set of skills by the time you graduate. You will have opportunities to develop expertise in accordance with your research interests.

Programme highlights

The programme recognises the importance of industry connections and collaborations to enhance your learning and help you hone your skills and perspectives as arts and cultural managers and leaders in your field. An ongoing programme of seminars with guest speakers from the industry, visiting overseas lecturers and artists-in- residence is organised by the programme, where specialists, artists, and professors share insights into current developments in the arts and cultural field. There are study visits to arts organisations, museums and venues including the possibility of regional study trips where you will learn on-the-ground issues directly from arts professionals. You will also have opportunities to actively connect with the region through participating in conferences of the Asia Pacific Network for Cultural Education and Research (ANCER), a network for arts management education and research initiated by LASALLE that links educators, researchers and arts practitioners from different countries in the region.

Graduate career paths

Upon graduation, you will be equipped with a lateral and comprehensive knowledge of the field. This will enable you to undertake management and leadership positions in public and private sector arts organisations and foundations, cultural agencies and institutions, or work independently and spearhead new initiatives and enterprises. You will also be part of a dynamic network of arts management alumni from LASALLE who are currently practising arts professionals, who can share resources, information, and knowledge about the sector.

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Academics

Tap into the illustrious minds of our faculty members who are movers and shakers in their own disciplines. They will impart, challenge and encourage, as they share their invaluable expertise and experiences with you.

Dean, Faculty of Fine Arts, Media & Creative Industries
Head, School of Creative Industries
Programme Leader, MA Arts and Cultural Leadership
Lecturer, Arts Management
Lecturer, Arts Management
Lecturer, Arts Management
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Admission Information

Important Dates

January 2023 Intake

MA Arts Pedagogy and Practice
MA Arts and Cultural Leadership
MA Asian Art Histories
MA Creative Writing
MA Design
MA Fine Arts

Start of semester: Jan 2023
Applications have closed.

August 2023 intake

MA Art Therapy

Start of semester: Aug 2023
Applications have closed.

Entry requirements

ADMISSIONS TEST/PORTFOLIO REQUIREMENTS/AUDITION REQUIREMENTS

You must fulfil the following requirements: 

Academic requirements

  • A Bachelor's degree from a recognised local or international institution.
  • A minimum of IELTS 7.0, TOEFL iBT 100 or PTE Academic 65 for applicants from countries where English is not the first language or whose qualifications are obtained from institutions where English is not the medium of instruction.

Statement of Purpose

  • In 500 – 1,000 words, highlight your reasons for applying to this programme and how they relate to your future plans. You should also include a brief description of your research intention / interest(s) that you are keen to explore. You are required to submit your Statement of Purpose online.

Reference letter

  • Provide a reference letter to support your application. You are required to upload your reference letter online during your application.

Portfolio

  • If available, you are invited to submit samples of your academic writing and published work. These will need to be uploaded online.

Interview

  • Shortlisted applicants will attend an interview. During the interview, you are required to participate in a dialogue regarding the purpose of your application. Please be prepared to talk about your background, what inspires you and your influences. We would like to find out what motivates you to learn, explore and experiment in your areas of interest. You should also share how you think the programme will benefit you in your future career choices or develop your research interests.
     
  • International applicants: if you are unable to attend the interview at LASALLE, an online interview will be arranged for you.
Fees
Components

Tuition fees

POSTGRADUATE DEGREE IN ARTS TUITION FEES 2023/24 INTAKE

Programme Duration Fees per semester Total fees
Years Singaporeans Singapore PR International Singaporeans Singapore PR International
MA Art Therapy 2 S$10,397 S$10,397 S$11,769 S$41,874 S$41,874 S$47,403
Note for postgraduate fees:
  • Total fees include 8% GST in 2023 and 9% GST in 2024.
 

Application fees

A non-refundable application fee (inclusive of 8% GST) is chargeable per application. Please ensure your application fee is paid and documents are submitted within seven working days from the submission date of your online application.

Singaporeans / Singapore Permanent Resident applicants International applicants
S$60 S$120
 

ADDITIONAL COSTS

Basic materials for learning are provided by the College.

Students as developing artists are required to have certain items that are particular to them and cannot be shared. Such items include books, dance shoes, rehearsal clothes, safety boots, portable musical instruments, paints, canvas, basic tools, design software, cameras, etc., that will support students through their three-year learning journey. The College does not encourage the purchase of extravagant or costly materials or equipment. Lecturers will provide students with affordable suggestions.

Students are encouraged to have their own laptops for their education. For those who are unable to, computer labs are available on campus with requisite software for them to undertake their work.

There may be opportunities for students to undertake extra-curricular study trips to enhance their overall learning. Trips are not compulsory and may incur additional costs to students.
 

More information

Fee Protection Scheme (FPS)

Fee Protection Scheme (FPS) serves to protect students’ fees in the event a Private Education Institution (PEI) is unable to continue operations due to insolvency and/or regulatory closure. The FPS also protects students when the PEI fails to pay penalties or refund fees to the students arising from judgements made against it by the Singapore courts.

In seeking to be an EduTrust-certified PEI, LASALLE is required to adopt the FPS to ensure full protection to all fees paid by their students. Therefore, the FPS is compulsory for students who are taking BA(Hons), MA and Certificate programmes at LASALLE.

Diploma programmes offered by LASALLE are exempted from FPS under the EduTrust requirements of the Committee for Private Education (CPE).

More information on the Committee for Private Education

Medical Insurance Scheme (MIS)

All full-time students of LASALLE are required to be covered under the Medical Insurance Scheme (MIS). The annual coverage of S$20,000 includes school-related activities throughout the programme duration.

The current premium rate is $29.70 payable each semester. This premium rate is subject to change based on the prevailing premiums charged by the insurer.

Accepted modes of payment

All payment to LASALLE must be made in Singapore Dollar. In line with the Singapore government's move towards a cashless society, online payments are strongly encouraged. Below are the payment modes acceptable by LASALLE:

Payment method Payment mode

Online payment

  • Flywire
  • iBanking
  • PayNow/ DBS PayLah!
SAM (kiosk, web or mobile) / Singapore Post
  • Visa
  • MasterCard
  • AMEX
  • NETS
Scholarships & financial support

SCHOLARSHIPS

In recognition of outstanding academic excellence, leadership potential, and a passion for creativity and innovation, LASALLE offers a variety of scholarships to new and current students.

Application dates for scholarships will be reflected in the various scholarship page. Other externally sponsored scholarships are also available to students. Enquiries and applications may be directed to the respective organisations.

Please note that miscellaneous fees are not covered by scholarships, bursaries or the Mendaki Tertiary Tuition Fee Subsidy (TTFS).

View scholarships offered

FINANCIAL SUPPORT

We are committed to providing a quality education for all our students, and believe that no deserving student should be denied admission because of financial difficulty.

A range of financial assistance schemes, grants and loans are made available to help meet a portion of the educational expenses of students.

Please note that miscellaneous fees are not covered by scholarships, bursaries or the Mendaki Tertiary Tuition Fee Subsidy (TTFS).

View bursaries offered

MORE INFORMATION

Frequently Asked Questions

Download Prospectus

Postgraduate Prospectus
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MA Arts and Cultural Leadership Prospectus
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Take the next exhilarating step with our MA Arts and Cultural Leadership Programme.